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Archived — Evaluation of the Internal Trade Secretariat Corporation

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1. Introduction

This report presents the results of the second evaluation of the ITSC. The first was a formative evaluation completed in December 2003.

The purpose of the current evaluation is to assess the relevance and performance (effectiveness, efficiency and economy) of the ITSC. Particularly, the focus of the evaluation is on administrative efficiencies and effectiveness of the federal component of the services provided by the Secretariat.

The report is organized into four sections: Section 1 provides the general background and objectives for the study along with a brief profile of the ITSC; Section 2 presents the methodology followed in conducting the evaluation work; Section 3 presents the findings; and Section 4 provides conclusions and a recommendation.

1.1 Background

The Agreement on Internal Trade (the Agreement or the AIT) is an intergovernmental trade agreement signed by Canadian First Ministers in 1995.1 Its purpose is to reduce and eliminate, to the extent possible, barriers to the free movement of persons, goods, services and investments within Canada and to establish an open, efficient and stable domestic market. The parties to the Agreement recognize and agree that enhancing trade and mobility within Canada would contribute to this goal.

Recognition of the diverse, social, cultural, and economic characteristics of the provinces; and

Respect for the legislative authorities of Parliament and the provincial legislatures under the Constitution of Canada.2

To implement the Agreement, the CIT was formed. This Committee is comprised of Ministers of Internal Trade from every jurisdiction in Canada, except Nunavut. This body was supported in its duties by the Internal Trade Secretariat (ITS), which incorporated in 2006, and became the ITSC. Parties to the Agreement are members of the Corporation.